Bustin' Loose (1981)

62% of users liked it
(4,292 ratings)

It's The African Queen meets Richard Pryor in this schmaltzy and salty attempt by Pryor to appeal to the family crowd. Pryor plays Joe Braxton, an inept burglar whose parole officer Donald (Robert Christian) wants to help out. Knowing that Joe is an excellent mechanic, he refers him to Vivian Perry… More It's The African Queen meets Richard Pryor in this schmaltzy and salty attempt by Pryor to appeal to the family crowd. Pryor plays Joe Braxton, an inept burglar whose parole officer Donald (Robert Christian) wants to help out. Knowing that Joe is an excellent mechanic, he refers him to Vivian Perry (Cicely Tyson), the director of a school for emotionally disturbed children. The school is about to close for lack of funds, and Vivian wants to flee Philadelphia with eight of her charges and get to a farm in Washington State where the children can grow up in the fresh air and away from the urban environment. Joe is enlisted to drive the bus, which continually breaks down en route, permitting Joe plenty of time to interact with the kids -- taking them fishing, teaching them strip poker, and convincing a Vietnamese girl not to sell her body. The prim and proper Vivian holds up her nose at the vulgar and sloppy Joe, so it is inevitable that at journey's end the two will find true romance. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Cicely Tyson, Oz Scott
Genres: Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: May 22, 1981 Wide
On DVD: Oct 19, 1999

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Richard Pryor in his prime but the movie is mediocre.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Although the story is predictable and familiar, Pryor's comedy is what is showcased in this movie, and he's really funny. if you're a fan you should see this movie.
Christopher O

Richard Pryor and kids proved not to be a winning combination and acclaimed actress Cicely Tyson seemed way out of place as his love interest. Tried to be heartwarming but failed and the laughs were contrived. Pryor is always amusing to watch but this is not his best by any means.

Cast

            Richard Pryor as Joe Braxton

            Cicely Tyson as Vivian Perry

            Alphonso Alexander as Martin

            Kia Cooper as Samantha

            Edwin de Leon as Ernesto

            Jimmy Hughes as Harold

            Edwin Kinter as Anthony

            Tami Luchow as Linda

            Angel Ramirez as Julio

            Janet Wong as Annie

            Robert Christian as Donald

            George Coe as Dr. Wilson T. Renfrew

            Bill Quinn as Judge Antonio Runzuli

            Fred Carney as Alfred Schuyler

            Roy Jenson as Klan Leader

            Luke Andreas as Loader

            Earl Billings as Man at Parole Office

            Nick Dimitri as Frank Munjak

            Peggy McCay as Gladys Schuyler

            Inez Pedroza as Herself

            Morgan Roberts as Uncle Humphrey

            Gary Goetzman as Store Manager

            Paul Mooney as Marvin

            Paul Gardner as Anchorman

            Ben Gerard as Man

            Vern Taylor as Highway Patrolman #1

            Edwin DeLeon
            
See full cast